Sport field cooling system and method

ABSTRACT

A system and associated method is disclosed for manipulation and control of air temperature in sport field and associated environments, wherein geothermally and/or mechanically cooled source air is distributed, via one or more air handling unit or air handling component, to the requisite environment through one or more pipes and a plurality of associated, uniquely configured, supply air nozzles. Such system and associated method of use and application solves, or dramatically reduces, the problem of elevated playing surface and/or elevated player envelope environmental temperatures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/617,937, filed Mar. 30, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter of the present invention relates, generally, to manipulation and control of air temperature above sports fields or other playing surfaces, and/or to manipulation and control of air temperature in or about facilities associated therewith; and it relates, more particularly, to a novel system and associated method for manipulation and control of air temperature in such environments, wherein geothermally and/or mechanically cooled source air is distributed, via one or more air handling unit or air handling component, to the requisite environment through one or more pipes and a plurality of associated, uniquely configured, supply air nozzles.

BACKGROUND

A commonly recognized, persistent problem associated with outdoor, field-based sports is that of elevated playing surface and/or elevated player envelope environmental temperatures. For purposes of this discussion, the “player envelope” is defined as that volume of air wherein human play occurs for a particular sport. The player envelope may be thought of as that volume of air between the field level surface and the maximum playing elevation—for example, the maximum anticipated player jump height—of the sport under consideration, across the expanse of the typical playing surface. In some instances, the definition of “player envelope” may be extended to include associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas wherein players, coaches, managers, medical personnel, media representatives, and/or others may be stationed or positioned, or wherein they may traverse from time-to-time. Representative examples of such associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas might include sidelines, bullpens, dugouts, on-deck circles, warm-up/warm-down areas, warning tracks, end zones, and other player boundaries, and/or the like.

This problem of elevated playing surface and/or elevated player envelope environmental temperatures has been recognized across many sports, including, but not limited to, football, soccer, baseball, track and field, rugby, lacrosse, and others. For reasons that will be discussed in greater detail below, the problem is most often associated with synthetic playing surfaces; however, natural playing surfaces certainly are implicated, as well.

Variables, such as local weather conditions, humidity, geographic location, the specific characteristics of the playing surface, the specific characteristics of any associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas, the occurance of natural air convection currents, the existence of areas of shading, and the like, may each have an impact upon the extent and magnitude of the problem. Further exacerbating the problem are the added weight and insulating characteristics of player clothing and protective gear. Temperatures may be merely uncomfortable, or they may become so elevated as to be dangerous, or, in some instances, even deadly.

Of course, with increasing temperatures, there are often associated reductions in an athlete's physical performance, output, and stamina. On one hand, a player may experience mere discomfort from modestly elevated temperatures. As temperatures rise, however, a player may become dehydrated, he or she may be exposed to any of a variety of medical risks associated with such elevated temperatures, and, in some cases, a player may require hospitalization or even may die.

As temperatures increase, coaches and trainers must remain mindful of and manage their players' physical conditions, both individually and in the aggregate, while keeping in mind attendant performance and medical guidelines, and while trying to manage practice or game-related activities occurring on the field. This is, of course, no easy task. Additionally, coaches, owners, organizers, field operators, and the like, remain concerned about risk and liability to themselves and their organizations, given the above-described potential for injury or death.

Just how bad can the problem be? In 2003, Brigham Young University (“BYU”) conducted a study on synthetic turf sports fields, comparing temperatures within the playing field perimeter to those outside of the perimeter. The findings of that study showed that temperatures inside the playing field perimeter could be up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit higher than those outside the playing field perimeter. The BYU study demonstrated that, regardless of ambient air temperature, a synthetic turf surface rapidly absorbs heat from sunlight and, in return, radiates it from the surface; thus, creating increased and hazardous playing level temperatures.

During development of the subject matter of the present invention, a mock-up study of an hydronic cooling system was performed. The goal of the study was to test the efficacy of an hydronic cooling system installed below a synthetic turf surface; and, specifically, to test the ability of such a system to reduce the temperature of the synthetic turf surface, as well as the air temperatures between the surface and 72 inches above the surface. Two test configurations were used. First, a water dispersion system was used to replicate an irrigation cooling system. Second, a closed loop, subsurface radiant cooling system was used.

FIG. 1 provides representative study equipment and the associated setup configuration. Temperatures were recorded at the following depths:

-   -   at the topping stone level, where the cooling tubing was         installed (−4 inches);     -   at the turf surface (0 inches);     -   24 inches above the synthetic turf surface; and     -   72 inches above the synthetic turf surface.

A heat lamp was used to replicate direct sunlight to the surface of the synthetic turf. Prior to initiation of either hydronic cooling system, temperatures were taken to verify that temperatures shown in the earlier-referenced BYU study could be replicated with the test system, and to serve as a basis to extrapolate that test system results would be compatible with the findings of the BYU study. Accordingly, the following temperatures were replicated:

-   -   150 degrees Fahrenheit at the field surface;     -   120 degrees Fahrenheit at 24 inches above the field surface; and     -   90 degrees Fahrenheit at 72 inches above the field surface.

Following replication of the BYU results, each cooling system was activated in-turn. Surface, air, and water temperatures were recorded, as were water flow rates.

FIGS. 2-4 provide data representative of three testing scenarios, wherein the testing proved the hydronic cooling system to be unsuccessful.

FIGS. 2A-2B demonstrate the results of a study simulating a sunny, 65 degree Fahrenheit day, with circulation of 65 degree Fahrenheit water. The objective of this study had been to simulate starting the day with an ambient temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. As sunlight (represented by application of a heat lamp) was applied, the surface temperatures of the turf drastically increased, as did the temperatures at heights of 6 inches and 36 inches above the turf. The ground temperatures beneath the turf continued to maintain a constant temperature. 65 degree Fahrenheit water was circulated, and appeared to have no impact on temperatures observed above the turf

FIGS. 3A-3D demonstrate the results of a study simulating a sunny, 100 degree Fahrenheit day. As sunlight (represented by application of a heat lamp) was applied, the turf surface temperatures increased to 146 degrees Fahrenheit. As cooling was applied, the base temperatures decreased. Air temperatures also decreased, but very minimally. The large decrease in ambient temperature did not take place until the sunlight was removed. This study demonstrated that a hydronic cooling system does have impact on the base; however, the air and surface temperature had relatively minimal temperature change due to the hydronic cooling system.

FIGS. 4A-4D demonstrate the results of a study simulating a sunny, 68 degree Fahrenheit day. This study simulated a 68 degree Fahrenheit day with sunlight (represented by application of a heat lamp) applied. The base temperatures were affected by the sunlight the closer to the turf surface. The ambient temperature continued to rise as a result of the turf surface increasing in temperature. The cooling system in this test does not demonstrate the ability of a hydronic cooling system to reduce the temperatures at or above the turf surface level.

Thus, although the objective had been to prove that cooling of the synthetic turf could be achieved by installing a hydronic cooling system below the turf surface, after in-depth testing, it was discovered that the cooling differential needed to make a difference in ambient and/or surface temperatures associated with the synthetic turf surface was in excess of that which was achievable through the hydronic cooling system. It was observed in all three testing scenarios that the turf backing layer, also known as the “e”-layer, contributed in large part to the inability of the hydronic cooling system to reduce temperatures at or above the turf level.

What is needed, but not currently available, is a system and related methods of use and application for cooling a sports field and/or its associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas. Such a system and related methods should be effective in reducing the average ambient temperature of the player envelope, or a specified portion thereof, and should be extensible to cooling associated, ancillary, and/or auxilliary areas not able to be cooled according to conventional systems and methods.

Accordingly, it is to the disclosure of such a system, and related methods of use and application, that the following disclosure is directed.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure is directed to the manipulation and control of air temperature above sports fields or other playing surfaces, and/or to manipulation and control of air temperature in or about associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas associated therewith. Specifically, and pursuant to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a system and associated method is disclosed for manipulation and control of air temperature in such environments, wherein geothermally and/or mechanically cooled source air is distributed, via one or more air handling unit or air handling component, to the requisite environment through one or more pipes and a plurality of associated, uniquely configured, supply air nozzles. Such system and associated method of use and application solves, or dramatically reduces, the problem of elevated playing surface and/or elevated player envelope environmental temperatures. Such system and associated method of use and application is further extensible to cooling associated, ancillary, and/or auxilliary areas not typically able to be cooled according to conventional systems and methods.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the subject field cooling system comprises three principal parts. First, the system comprises a cooling source. Second, the system comprises a fan system to draw air from the cooling source and send it to the field and/or associated, ancillary, and/or auxilliary areas. Third, the system comprises an air distribution means further comprising a plurality of supply air nozzles.

The cooling source may comprise geothermally cooled air, such as may be drawn from underground geothermal air piping. Alternatively, the cooling source may comprise mechanical cooling, such as, but not limited to, air cooled chillers, dry coolers, and water cooled chillers. Still further alternatively, the cooling source may comprise a combination of geothermally and mechanically cooled air.

The fan system may comprise an enclosed “box”-type air handling unit and/or air handling component that separates the source cooling and supply cooling components.

The air distribution means comprises air distribution piping and a plurality of spaced-apart supply air nozzles. This part of the system carries cooled air through the distribution piping and upwardly through the turf or ground layer via a plurality of associated, uniquely configured, supply air nozzles.

Thus, in operation and use, the fan system draws cooled air from the cooling source, and sends the cooled air to the air distribution means and plurality of supply air nozzles, whereafter the cooled air is provided to the field and/or any associated, ancillary, and/or auxilliary areas and acts to reduce the player envelope environmental temperatures.

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments of such a sports field cooling system, and the associated method or methods of use and application, as set forth within the present disclosure, will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments and the Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accordingly, the within disclosure will be best understood through consideration of, and with reference to, the following drawing Figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate like structure, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of various study equipment and associated setup configuration for certain testing described hereinbelow;

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate certain study results obtained in association with the configuration of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate certain further study results obtained in association with the configuration of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate certain additional and further study results obtained in association with the configuration of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a sport field cooling system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a sport field cooling system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a section view of an alternate embodiment of a sport field cooling system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a portion of a sport field cooling system shown in FIGS. 6A-6B;

FIG. 7 depicts in perspective view an alternate embodiment of an air handling unit for use in association with a sport field cooling system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts in perspective view an alternate embodiment of a supply side air distribution system for use in association with a sport field cooling system according to the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 9A-9D depict perspective views of an alternate embodiment of an air supply nozzle for use in association with a sport field cooling system according to the present disclosure.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the several embodiments illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in the Figures, like reference numerals shall be used to designate corresponding parts throughout the several Figures.

Illustrated in FIG. 5 is a representative system schematic, or overview diagram, for an exemplary embodiment of a system and associated method for manipulation and control of air temperature in association with sports fields and/or associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas. System 100 comprises geothermal intake unit 120, an enclosure which is positioned upon ground G at a location somewhat removed from sports field F for reasons which will become apparent from the more detailed explanation provided hereinbelow. Geothermal intake unit 120 provides an entry point into system 100 for ambient temperature air A through one or more air inlet hoods 130. In some embodiments, geothermal intake unit 120 may be provided with floor 140, operable for support of personnel, maintenance equipment, tools, and the like. Below ground G are provided one or more intake pipes 150, first ends 160 of which rise through ground G and terminate inside geothermal intake unit 120. In some embodiments, floor 140 may comprise one or more filters 170, comprising appropriate filtration media, operable in association with intake pipes 150 to prevent incursion of dust, dirt, particulates, insects, and the like, into system 100.

In some embodiments, intake pipes 150 comprise 8 inch corrugated drain pipes; however, it will be appreciated that intake pipes 150 may be of any size, shape, and configuration suitable for the purposes and uses described herein. Importantly, in some embodiments, intake pipes are inset below the surface of ground G in order to take advantage of the relatively cooler subsurface ground temperatures to cool intake air A substantially below ambient, above-ground intake temperatures. In designing system 100, one would consider the geographic region in which system 100 will operate, average subsurface temperature gradients, the nature of subsurface materials and conditions, the space available for placement of intake pipes 150, the number of intake pipes 150 that can fit into such space, and other such constraints and design considerations, in order to ascertain an appropriate subsurface depth at which to place intake pipes 150. The subsurface depth of intake pipes 150 should be appropriate so as to be able to cool intake air A sufficiently to meet design output temperature specifications. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, intake pipes 150 may be located 4-8 feet below ground G surface. Of course, in other embodiments, intake pipes 150 may be shallower or deeper than this, for example from 1-10 feet below ground G surface. Intake pipes 150 travel underground at such a depth, and for such a distance, so as to provide sufficient residence time to cool intake air A according to design specifications.

In order to draw intake air A into geothermal intake unit 120, and thereafter into intake pipes 150, system 100 is provided with air handling unit 220. In some embodiments, air handling unit 220 comprises two chambers, source side air handling chamber 220 a and supply side plenum chamber 220 b, separated by plenum wall 220 c. Air handling unit 220 further comprises access door 230 so as to allow passage of personnel, equipment, tools, and the like into air handling unit 220. In some embodiments, air handling unit 220 may be provided with floor 240, operable for support of personnel, maintenance equipment, tools, and the like. Air handling unit 220 provides an enclosure within which second ends 260 of intake pipes 150 terminate, after having traversed underground from geothermal intake unit 120. Intake pipes 150 thereafter rise through ground G and terminate within air handling unit 220. In some embodiments, floor 240 may comprise one or more filters 270, comprising appropriate filtration media, operable in association with intake pipes 150 to prevent incursion of dust, dirt, particulates, insects, and the like, into air handling unit 220.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, an air mover, such as source side air fan 280, is mounted on, or in proximity to, plenum wall 220 c, between air handling chamber 220 a and plenum chamber 220 b. Source side air fan 280 operates to draw intake air A from the ambient environment, through intake unit 120, and into intake pipes 150, as has been described in greater detail hereinabove. As source air fan 280 continues to draw intake air A through subsurface intake pipes 150, the air is cooled relative to its former temperature by its interaction with the cooler ground temperatures associated with subsurface intake pipes 150. Cooled intake air A is pulled by source air fan 280 into air handling chamber 220 a of air handling unit 220, first being filtered by interaction with filters 270.

Source air fan 280, having drawn cooled intake air A into air handling chamber 220 a of air handling unit 220, then operates to force that cooled intake air A through one or more appropriately sized and positioned openings or ducts passing through plenum wall 220 c. Cooled intake air A, thereby, is forced by source air fan 280 into plenum chamber 220 b. It will be apparent that cooled intake air A within plenum chamber 220 b is at relatively higher pressure than the air within air handling chamber 220 a. Accordingly, this relatively higher pressure air may then be distributed as supply air to a sports field, and/or associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas, as will next be described.

As can be seen with continuing reference to FIG. 5, plenum chamber 220 b houses one or more first end 290 of one or more supply air piping 300. Supply air piping 300 may, in some embodiments, comprise 4 inch drain piping; however, it will be appreciated that supply air piping 300 may be of any size, shape, and configuration suitable for the purposes and uses described herein. Supply air piping 300 is open at first end 290, and is generally capped or otherwise closed at a second, terminal end (not shown). Supply air piping 300 travels downwardly into ground G from plenum chamber 220 b, whereafter it traverses at an appropriate design depth beneath sports field F. In some embodiments, wherein a plurality of supply air piping 300 may be provided, the supply air piping may be appropriately interconnected to assure complete distribution of supply air to field F.

Due to the higher supply air pressure within plenum chamber 220 b, supply air passes from plenum chamber 220 b, through first end 290 of supply air piping 300, and is thereafter distributed throughout the expanse of supply air piping 300 residing below sports field F. A plurality of uniquely configured, supply air nozzles 320 are fluidly connected to supply air piping 300 via riser tubes 330, and rise at spaced-apart intervals through ground G, and through the turf surface of sports field F, wherein supply air nozzles 320 allow the cooled supply air to exit system 100. The cooled supply air builds from ground G level upwardly, cooling and/or displacing the ambient, warmer air as the supply of relatively cooler air is maintained. Over time, the player envelope is established and can be maintained by continual operation of system 100.

For further details of the various components and embodiments of a system and associated method for manipulation and control of air temperature in association with sports fields and/or associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas, as described herein, we next turn to FIGS. 6A-6C. FIG. 6A depicts, in plan view, FIG. 6B depicts, in section view, and FIG. 6C depicts, in perspective view, an embodiment of a system such as has been described hereinabove; however, with those modifications and further details as will next be described.

In system 600, source air A is drawn, via one or more fans 605 contained within a source side of air handling unit 610, through air inlet hood 615, and into earth tube field 620. Earth tube field 620 comprises subsurface intake pipes 630, where source air A is cooled below ambient temperature, as the source air traverses through intake pipes 630 of earth tube field 620 to air handling unit 610, all as was described in greater detail above. Cooled air is blown by the fan or fans into a supply side of air handling unit 610, whereafter it is distributed through interconnected, subsurface, supply air piping 640 to a plurality of spaced-apart nozzles 650 penetrating sports field F. Best seen with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 6A, supply air piping 640 a may comprise 12 inch supply air piping, interconnected with a plurality of 6 inch supply air piping 640 b; however, it will be appreciated that supply air piping 640 a, 640 b may be of any size, shape, and configuration suitable for the purposes and uses described herein. Supply air piping 640 b is, in turn, capped with, for example, a ⅝ inch outlet plug, in order to maintain supply air pressure in the supply side of system 600. In some embodiments of system 600, and best seen with reference to FIG. 6B, condensate pits 660 may be provided in one or more convenient and appropriate locations within system 600, in order to provide subsurface drainage of any condensate that may be separated from the air as it is cooled by operation of system 600.

Turning next to FIG. 7, an embodiment of air handling unit 720 is shown with more particular detail. As can be seen, air handling unit 720 comprises two chambers, source side air handling chamber 720 a and supply side plenum chamber 720 b, separated by plenum wall 720 c. As was discussed above, air handling unit 720 provides an enclosure within which the second ends of the intake pipes terminate, after having traversed underground from the geothermal intake unit. The intake pipes thereafter rise through the ground and terminate within source side air handling chamber 720 a of air handling unit 720.

Within the embodiment of FIG. 7, a rack and filter system 730 are shown. Rack and filter system 730 may comprise framework 740, along with one or more filters 750 operably associated with framework 740. Filters 750 comprise appropriate filtration media, operable in association with the intake pipes disposed therebelow, to prevent incursion of dust, dirt, particulates, insects, and the like, into air handling unit 720. Framework 740 may provide structural support for personnel, maintenance equipment, tools, and the like. Additionally, framework 740 serves to provide structure to accept insertion of filters 750, and to provide support for holding filters 750 against the force of air rising through the intake pipes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a pair of air movers, such as source side air fans 760, are mounted on, or in proximity to, plenum wall 720 c, between air handling chamber 720 a and plenum chamber 720 b. Source air fans 760 each may be mounted and supported through additional supporting framework 770 associated with framework 740. Source air fans 760 may comprise industrial-type blower fans, with sheet metal enclosure, insulation and access panels, line voltage wiring, electrical disconnects and motor speed controls, all features which are known in the art.

In use and operation, source side air fans 760 operate to draw intake air from the ambient environment, through the intake unit, and into the intake pipes, as has been described in greater detail hereinabove. As source air fans 760 continue to draw intake air through the subsurface intake pipes, the air is cooled relative to its former temperature by its interaction with the cooler ground temperatures associated with the subsurface intake pipes. Cooled intake air is pulled by source air fans 760 into air handling chamber 720 a of air handling unit 720, first being filtered by interaction with filters 750.

Source air fans 760, having drawn cooled intake air into air handling chamber 720 a of air handling unit 720, then operate to force that cooled intake air through one or more appropriately sized and positioned openings or ducts 780 passing through plenum wall 720 c. Cooled intake air, thereby, is forced by source air fans 760 into plenum chamber 720 b. It will be apparent that the cooled intake air within plenum chamber 720 b is at relatively higher pressure than the air within air handling chamber 720 a. Accordingly, this relatively higher pressure air may then be distributed as supply air to a sports field, and/or associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas, through one or more first end 790 of one or more supply air piping 800.

Turning now to FIG. 8, but with continuing reference to FIG. 7, supply air piping 800 travels downwardly into the ground from plenum chamber 720 b, whereafter it traverses at an appropriate design depth beneath sports field F. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown within FIG. 8, a plurality of supply air piping 800 may be provided, and the supply air piping may be appropriately interconnected to assure complete distribution of supply air to field F.

Due to the higher supply air pressure within plenum chamber 720 b, supply air passes from plenum chamber 720 b, through first end 790 of supply air piping 800, and is thereafter distributed throughout the expanse of supply air piping 800 set below sports field F. A plurality of uniquely configured, supply air nozzles 820 are fluidly connected to supply air piping 800 via riser tubes, and rise at spaced-apart intervals through the ground, and through the turf surface of sports field F, wherein supply air nozzles 820 allow the cooled supply air to exit the system. As previously described, the cooled supply air builds from ground level upwardly, cooling and/or displacing the ambient, warmer air as the supply of relatively cooler air is maintained. Over time, the player envelope is established and can be maintained by continual operation of the system.

Turning now to FIGS. 9A-9D, an exemplar embodiment of a supply air nozzle, such as described previously with regard to the embodiments of supply air nozzles 320, 820, will be described in greater detail. In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, supply air nozzle 920 is fluidly connected at first end 930 to supply air piping 940, such as was previously described in other embodiments with reference to supply air piping 300, 800. Best seen with reference to FIG. 9B, first end 930 may comprise cross-linked polyethylene (“PEX”) material that is threaded on an upper end (relative to its assembled position as shown in FIG. 9A). First end 930 may be provided with a plurality of retaining ears 950 or barbs to prevent first end 930 from being pulled or extracted from its assembled position within supply air piping 940. As best seen in FIG. 9C, threads 960 pass through supply air piping 940, through rubber flexible bushing 970, and into polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) sleeve 980. PVC sleeve 980 is internally threaded and, thereby, receives threads 960 in cooperating engagement. PVC sleeve 980 is similarly threaded at its opposite end, wherein it cooperatively receives a first end of threaded PEX insert 990, best seen with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9D. The opposite end of PEX insert 990 is affixed to flexible latex tube 1000.

So assembled, supply air nozzle 920 passes from supply air piping 940, through ground layer G, and through the turf layer of field F. Because supply air nozzle 920 is hollow throughout its interior, supply air can pass from supply air piping 940, through nozzle 920, and outward to field F, and/or associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas. As was previously described, the cooled supply air builds from ground level G upwardly, cooling and/or displacing the ambient, warmer air as the supply of relatively cooler air is maintained. Over time, the player envelope is established and can be maintained by continual operation of the aforedescribed system.

It is important to note that tube 1000 serves an important role in the use of the aforedescribed cooling system. Because tube 1000 comprises flexible latex, or another similarly durable, but flexible, material, it does not interfere with play or other activities occurring on field F. Thus, persons on field F will not be injured if (or when) they fall upon supply air nozzle 920 during activities on the field; nor will they be impeded when running, jumping, or otherwise participating in activities on the field.

As was generally described above, in situations where the system will require supplementary or dedicated cooling to achieve design output temperatures, mechanical equipment, such as water or air cooled chillers, condensing units, and dry-coolers may be used, either as an adjunct to, or a replacement for, geothermal source air cooling. Where such adjunct or combined systems are used, the system fans may be configured, for example, to draw ambient air from the surrounding area, through the subsurface earth tube field, then through the mechanical cooling system, and into the source plenum of the fan assembly. All such combinations, uses, designs, and constructs are contemplated for use in association with the presently disclosed system.

As was also generally described above, the field cooling system of the present disclosure can be applied to, and/or used, for many different purposes and applications, also referred to in-part hereinabove as associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas. Accordingly, the following is a non-limiting list of exemplary applications where field specific and/or generalized cooling according to the present system and method would be beneficial:

-   -   All types of outdoor natural grass playing fields;     -   All types of outdoor synthetic turf playing fields;     -   Bullpens and dugouts;     -   Indoor Synthetic Turf Fields;     -   Supplementary HVAC systems for building acclimation;     -   Common areas;     -   Indoor cooling for building space under a playing field;     -   Spectator seating areas, whether of flat or stadium type; and     -   Tracks and associated interior fields.

In addition, the aforedescribed field cooling system can be adapted to provide overhead cooling. In situations such as dugouts for baseball, a branch line can be installed from the field cooling system to deliver conditioned air to above ground spaces, such as dugouts. This system and method may utilize a “jet nozzle” type distribution, which allows for spot cooling.

The above described system and associated disclosure may now be seen to further describe a method for cooling a sports field, and/or associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas. In accordance with such method, intake air is drawn from the ambient environment and into one or more subsurface intake pipes, as has been described in greater detail hereinabove. As intake air continues to be drawn through the subsurface intake pipes, the air is cooled relative to its former temperature by its interaction with the cooler ground temperatures associated with the subsurface intake pipes. Cooled intake air is then directed as supply air to a sports field, and/or to associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas.

Optional steps of the described method may include filtering the supply air, as desired. Other optional steps may include cooling the intake air by one or more mechanical cooling system. Further optional steps may include passing the air through any one or more of the various elements, component parts, and subsystems as have been described more fully hereinabove. Still further optional steps may include combinations of any of the above described steps.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, it is noted that the within disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present subject matter is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by the following claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A cooling system for control of air temperature in association with a sport field comprising: an air intake; a cooling source; an air handling unit; a plurality of supply air nozzles; means for directing air from said air intake, through said cooling source, through said air handling unit, and into said plurality of supply air nozzles; whereby cooled air is dispersed from said supply air nozzles to said sport field.
 2. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said cooling source comprises a subsurface geothermal cooling source.
 3. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said cooling source comprises a mechanical cooling source.
 4. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said air handling unit comprises a fan.
 5. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said air handling unit comprises an air handling chamber, a plenum chamber, a plenum wall, and a fan, said fan passing air from said air handling chamber to said plenum chamber.
 6. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein air is drawn by said air handling unit, through said air intake, through said cooling source, and into said air handling unit.
 7. The cooling system of claim 6 wherein air is blown from said air handling unit into distribution means feeding cooled air to said plurality of supply air nozzles.
 8. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of supply air nozzles are in spaced-apart relationship across the surface of a sport field.
 9. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said field further comprises an associated, ancillary, or auxilliary area.
 10. The cooling system of claim 1 further comprising a condensate drainage means.
 11. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said means for directing air comprises a pipe or tubular member.
 12. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said supply air nozzles comprise a latex outlet.
 13. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said supply air nozzles pass from tubular, subsurface distribution means, through a ground layer, and through a turf layer of the sports field.
 14. An air cooled sports field comprising: an air intake; a cooling source; an air handling unit; a plurality of supply air nozzles distributed across the sports field; tubular means fluidly connected with said air intake, said cooling source, said air handling unit, and said plurality of supply air nozzles, said tubular means for directing air from said air intake to said nozzles.
 15. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said cooling source comprises a subsurface geothermal cooling source.
 16. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said cooling source comprises a mechanical cooling source.
 17. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said air handling unit comprises a fan.
 18. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said air handling unit comprises an air handling chamber, a plenum chamber, a plenum wall, and a fan, said fan passing air from said air handling chamber to said plenum chamber.
 19. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein air is drawn by said air handling unit, through said air intake, through said cooling source, and into said air handling unit.
 20. The cooling system of claim 19 wherein air is blown from said air handling unit into distribution means feeding cooled air to said plurality of supply air nozzles.
 21. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said field further comprises an associated, ancillary, or auxilliary area.
 22. The cooling system of claim 14 further comprising a condensate drainage means.
 23. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said supply air nozzles comprise a latex outlet.
 24. The cooling system of claim 14 wherein said supply air nozzles pass from tubular, subsurface distribution means, through a ground layer, and through a turf layer of the sports field.
 25. A nozzle for a sport field cooling system comprising, at a first end thereof, retaining ears or barb-like members to retain said nozzle within a subsurface tubular air distribution member, and, at a second end thereof, a soft tubular air outlet tube.
 26. A method for cooling a sports field, and/or associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas, the method comprising the steps of: drawing intake air from the ambient environment and into one or more subsurface intake pipes; cooling the intake air by geothermal means; directing the cooled air to a sports field, and/or to associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas.
 27. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of filtering the supply air.
 28. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of cooling the intake air by mechanical means.
 29. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of passing intake air through fan means from a source side to a plenum side of an air handling unit.
 30. The method of claim 29 further comprising the step of directing cooled air from said plenum side into a tubular distribution means interconnected with a plurality of spaced-apart nozzles for directing the cooled air to the sports field, and/or to associated, ancillary, or auxilliary areas. 